Anti-tamper spigot

Abstract

A spigot or spout 100, for serving as a faucet for dispensing non-potable water at a washstand, including a distal end having an aperture 210, a proximal end having a rounded nozzle head 110, an orifi

Description

Field of the invention The present disclosure relates to a spigot for inhibiting vandalism and bottle-filling and facilitating good wash practice and increase hygiene, a foot-activated valve for reducing damage exhibited on a water-supply, and a soap holder for housing a variety of soaps and soap containers. Background In economically disadvantaged regions, access to water supplies and washstands is severely limited due to both water scarcity and insufficient funding. The few water facilities that do get installed often suffer from tampering, rough usage, vandalism, or accidental damage, which significantly reduces their lifespan, efficiency and ultimately their usage for hand washing. Additionally, these areas frequently struggle to provide adequate water pressure for effective handwashing, and installed washstands are sometimes used for purposes such as bottle-filling, even when the water is not drinkable. The production of these water supply systems often requires expensive metals or concrete, complex manufacturing processes, and extensive transportation to reach rural locations, further complicating their implementation. Summary of the invention Aspects of the invention are as set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the invention may be provided in conjunction with each other and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects. Embodiments of the disclosure are directed towards a spigot, a foot-activated valve, and a soap holder. Embodiments of the disclosure may advantageously address the aforementioned problems and provide a device, valve, and holder that can inhibit vandalism and bottle-filling, reduce damage, and facilitate hygienic behaviours. A first aspect of the disclosure provides a spigot comprising a distal end comprising; an aperture configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply; a proximal end comprising a rounded nozzle head configured to inhibit gripping by a user; an orifice within the rounded nozzle head configured to dispense the liquid; and a shaft connecting the orifice to the aperture and defining a longitudinal axis of the spigot. Advantageously, the rounded shape of the nozzle head allows the spigot to be smooth and difficult for a user to grip, push, or pull on. The inability for a user to interact with the nozzle head may deter any purposeful vandalism from being performed on the nozzle head. Moreover, the rounded nozzle head will not be able to hold or carry objects on its surface. Further advantageously, the placement of the orifice within the rounded nozzle head reduces the ability for a user to attach or obstruct the opening with debris. Water dispensed from the orifice may stay pure and shaped as intended. The distal end of the spigot may comprise a means for reversibly attaching the spigot to a washstand. Advantageously, the ability to attach the spigot to a washstand may ensure its stability while in use and reduce the chance of it naturally deteriorating over time with use and movement. Further advantageously, the reversible nature of the attachment mechanisms means that the spigot may be easily replaced if damaged or taken apart for relocation purposes. The distal end may be configured to reversibly insert into a washstand such that only the rounded nozzle head is exposed. Advantageously, having only the rounded nozzle head exposed reduces the ability for the spigot to be removed from outside the washstand. A user may only be able to remove the spigot from inside the washstand. The rounded nozzle head may comprise a hemispherical shape configured to reduce the surface area of the rounded nozzle head. Advantageously, the reduced surface area of the rounded nozzle head may reduce the ability of a user to catch their hands on edges of the tap when washing their hands. The orifice may be configured to dispense liquid from the spigot in a fan shape. Advantageously, the fan shaped liquid dispensed reduces the ability to fill up bottles at the spigot nozzle head. Further advantageously, the spray of water from the spigot may be wide spread even at low water pressure. The orifice may comprise a revolved slot, wherein the revolved slot curves away from the axis of the spigot and is configured to project liquid at a downwards angle with respect to the axis of the spigot, when in use. Advantageously, the liquid sprayed from the spigot may not be wasted as the spray will not cover the back surface of the washstand in which the spigot is inserted. The orifice may be arc-shaped and may be configured to evenly spray the liquid dispensed from the spigot. Advantageously, an even spray of liquid may create a nice spray for washing hands and discourages users using the spigot for bottle-filling. The arc shape of the orifice may be inclined with respect to the spigot axis, centred on the spigot axis, comprise a radius parallel to the perpendicular axis of the spigot, and may be configured to spray the liquid dispensed from the spigot in a line transverse to the axis of the spigot. Advantageously, spreading the liquid in a line transverse to the axis of the spigot provides a better coverage of liquid at low pressures as opposed to irregular single stream droplets. Further advantageously, a spray of liquid may prevent turbidity, particulates in the liquid, and scale buildup in the orifice. The distal end may comprise a barbed connector configured to couple to the liquid supply. Advantageously, the barbed connector may make the spigot to liquid supply connection easily assemblable and reversibly attachable in case the spigot needs to replaced, relocated, or fixed in case of damage. At least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft may comprise helical threads configured to reversibly engage with corresponding threads in a washstand. Advantageously, the threads of the spigot may add an additional attachments means to reversibly secure the spigot inside the washstand and inhibit removing from a user external using the washstand. The distal end of the nozzle head may define a ledge comprising at least one locating tab configured to reversibly align with and be seated in a corresponding groove in a washstand to reversibly secure the spigot into the washstand. Advantageously, the spigot may be seamlessly secured, properly aligned with the washstand, and fully inserted into a liquid supply so that no liquid is wasted around the connection means. Further advantageously, the at least one locating tab, when slotted into the corresponding groove in the washstand, may make it difficult for a user of the washstand to unscrew or twist the spigot from the outside The spigot may be configured to be tightened by hand and reversibly engaged with the corresponding threads of the washstand, wherein tightening of the spigot in the washstand causes the at least one locating tab of the nozzle head to reversibly align with and be seated in the corresponding groove in the washstand. Advantageously, the spigot may be secured to the washstand and liquid supply without complex securing devices, such as an electric drill. In examples, the spigot may be injection-moulded. Advantageously, the spigot may be easily, quickly, and cheaply manufactured. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a foot-activated valve comprising: a button valve configured to allow liquid to flow through the valve when pressed by a user; and a platen configured to cover the button valve and inhibit tampering of the button valve by a user, the platen comprising: a smooth distal surface configured to receive pressure from a user; and a proximal surface configured to couple to the foot valve via an attachment mechanism. Advantageously, the protective platen connected to the foot-activated valve may increase the lifetime of the foot-activated valve and reduces the need for maintenance. The attachment mechanism of the platen may be a reversibly attachable clipping mechanism, and wherein the platen is replaceable. Advantageously, the attachment mechanism may be replaceable in case of damage or tampering by a user. The attachment mechanism of the platen may comprise adhesive means. Advantageously, the platen may be attached to the foot-activated valve without the need for extensive and removal securing devices, such as screws. A washstand may comprise the foot-activated valve, an opening, and a mounting bracket. Advantageously, the washstand may be used on demand and not waste unnecessary liquid. The mounting bracket may be configured to support the foot-activated valve at an angle ideal for use by the foot of a user. Advantageously, the washstand may be easy and comfortable to use for users of all heights and abilities. The washstand may house the mounting bracket and at least part of the foot-activated valve, wherein the distal end of the foot-activated valve may be configured to protrude through the opening, and wherein the platen of the foot-activated valve is located outside the washstand and may be configured to prevent detritus from entering the washstand. Advantageously, the washstand is protected from users with dirty feet and may have a long lifetime before replacement. Further advantageously, the washstand may not need to be removed from a fixed position and emptied. The side of the opening of the washstand, proximal to the proximal surface of the platen, may comprise an outwardly protruding raised ring configured to inhibit water passing through the opening. Advantageously, the washstand may be protected from natural weathering or liquid slippage beyond the wash basin of the washstand. The mounting bracket may be configured to couple to the bottom of the washstand, located on the ground in normal use, via a fastening mechanism. Advantageously, the foot-activated valve may be secured to the ground and will not loosen or become displaced with vibrations or normal use. Another aspect of the disclosure provides a soap holder comprising: an abstract shaped cavity comprising cylindrical shaped notches of different radii; a rectangular shaped notch; a flat surface; and a V-shaped cutout through the wall of the cavity; wherein the abstract shaped cavity is configured to partly house a plurality of soaps and soap containers. Advantageously, the soap holder may house soaps of varying size away from the liquid supply such that soap is not unnecessary eroded or displaced from the washstand. The cylindrical notches may be configured to house cylindrical soap containers of varying size. Advantageously, the soap holder may house soap provided by any source or make and is not biased to one provider. The rectangular shaped notch may be configured to house rectangular soap containers of varying size. In examples, the flat surface may be configured to hold bars of soap of varying size. The V-shaped cutout through the wall of the cavity is configured to house the nozzle of a soap container which is configured to be used in an inverted orientation, wherein the inverted orientation requires the nozzle to be below the soap container. Advantageously, soap at the bottom of squeezy bottles is not wasted and is easily and quickly dispensed by a user. Drawings Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the spigot; Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 4 shows a front on view of the distal end of the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 5A shows a bottom view of a first embodiment of the nozzle head on the proximal end of the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 5B shows a front on view of the proximal end of a second embodiment of the nozzle head of the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the foot-activated valve which controls the liquid supply to the spigot in Figure 1; Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the foot-activated valve which controls the liquid supply to the spigot in Figure 1 and is housed by a washstand; Figure 8 shows a perspective view of a soap holder housing a cylindrical container; Figure 9 shows a perspective view of the soap holder of Figure 8 housing an abstract shaped container; Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the soap holder of Figure 8 housing an inverted soap container; and Figure 11 shows a perspective view of a washstand which utilises the spigot, foot-activated valve, and soap holder of Figures 1 to 10. Specific description Embodiments of the claims relates to a spigot for inhibiting vandalism and bottle-filling, a foot-activated valve for reducing damage exhibited on a water-supply, and a soap holder for housing a variety of soaps and soap containers. In particular, the present disclosure relates to a spigot comprising an aperture, a rounded nozzle head, an orifice, and a shaft, and wherein the spigot is configured to reversibly insert into a washstand utilising a foot-activated valve and a soap holder. Figures 1 to 4 and 5A show the spigot 100 with a first embodiment of a nozzle head 110. Figure 5B shows an underside view of a second embodiment of the nozzle head 110. Figure 1 shows a perspective view of the spigot 100 which comprises a proximal end and a distal end coupled by a shaft 130 which defines a longitudinal axis of the spigot X. The distal end of the spigot 100 comprises a rounded nozzle head 110 and the proximal end of the spigot 100 optionally comprises a barbed connector 120. The spigot 100 has a shaft 130 between the distal end and the proximal end with threads 140 on at least a portion of the shaft 130 and a channel 310 that extends inside the shaft 130. The channel 310 is not shown in Figure 1. The skilled person will understand that the barbed connector 120 may additionally or alternatively optionally comprise any type of connection mechanism such as a quick-connect fitting, for example a compression fitting. The shaft 130 is optionally an elongated cylindrical shaped member which comprises threads 140. The skilled person will understand that instead of or in addition to the threads, any attachment mechanism such as clamps or adhesives may be used. The shaft 130 and threads 140 may be elongated to a required length for reversibly coupling securely to the inside of a chosen washstand as depicted in Figure 11. The barbed connector 120 is configured to reversibly couple to and receive liquid from a liquid supply optionally housed inside a washstand. The liquid supply may comprise piping, such as flexible tubing, that connects an external water supply system to the spigot 100 inside the washstand. The liquid supply optionally also couples to a foot-activated valve as described with reference to Figures 6 and 7. The spigot 100 is configured to reversibly insert into a washstand such that the barbed connector 120 can reversibly couple to the liquid supply inside the washstand. The threads 140 of the shaft 130 are configured to reversibly couple the shaft 130 to an attachment mechanism inside the washstand and reversibly secure the spigot 100 into the washstand. The threads 140 are configured such that when partially engaged with the attachment mechanism inside the washstand the barbed connector 120 is not fully engaged with the liquid supply and cannot receive liquid, and when the threads are fully engaged with the attachment mechanism inside the washstand the barbed connector 120 is fully engaged with the liquid supply and may seamlessly receive liquid. When the threads 130 are fully engaged with the attachment mechanism inside the washstand the spigot 100 is reversibly secured inside the washstand such that only the rounded nozzle head 110 protrudes beyond the washstand. The rounded nozzle head 110 is configured to be low profile and to be the only component of the spigot 100 to protrude beyond the washstand when the threads 130 are fully engaged with the attachment mechanism inside the washstand. The washstand is configured to inhibit grabbing by a user, inhibit holding objections on its surface area, and dispense liquid from the liquid supply through an orifice discussed in greater detail with reference to Figures 2 to 5B. Figure 2 shows a side plan view of the spigot 100 in Figure 1 with more details and with the first embodiment of the nozzle head 110. In Figure 2 we can see that the spigot 100 optionally comprises an aperture 210, an orifice 220, at least one locating tab 230, and a ledge 240. The distal end of the barbed connector 120 comprises the aperture 210 and the distal end of the nozzle head 110, which couples to the shaft 130, comprises the ledge 240. The aperture 210 is an opening which has a radius of specific size to seamlessly fit a corresponding liquid supply in the washstand. For example, the radius of the aperture 210 may be 5 mm to fit a 10 mm ID flexible liquid tubing. The ledge 240 defines the interface between the shaft 130 and the nozzle head 110 and protrudes beyond the diameter of the shaft 130 and threads 140. The ledge 240 comprises the at least one locating tab 230 wherein the at least one locating tab 230 protrudes from the ledge 240 along the longitudinal axis X from the proximal side the shaft 130 towards the distal end of the shaft 130. The height of the at least one locating tab 230 may vary depending on the at least one groove in which it is configured to couple to. In examples, the height of the at least one locating tab is 2 mm. Likewise, the width and shape of the at least one locating tab 230 may vary depending on the at least one groove in which it is configured to couple to. The orifice 220 is located In the nozzle head 110 and optionally takes different forms; the different forms and shapes in which the orifice 220 may take are discussed with reference to Figures 3 to 5B. The aperture 210 is configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply optionally housed in the washstand when the barbed connector 120 and threads 140 are reversibly connected and fully engaged with the liquid supply and washstand. The ledge 240 is configured to inhibit further engagement of the threads 140 when the threads 140 are fully engaged with the attachment mechanisms inside the washstand. The ledge 240 is also configured to hold the at least one locating tab 230 at a specific location such that when the threads 140 are fully engaged the at least one locating tab 230 couples to the at least one groove in the washstand. The at least one locating tab 230 is configured to ensure proper alignment of the spigot 100 inside the washstand and hinder the ability for a user to unscrew or twist the spigot 100 from the washstand from outside the washstand. The orifice 220 is configured to dispense the liquid received by the aperture 210 and carried through the shaft 130 beyond the washstand. The orifice 220 is configured to dispense the liquid in a useful shape and at a useful angle as described later with reference to Figures 3 to 5B. Figure 3 shows a cross-sectional view of the spigot 100 in Figures 1 and 2 with more detail. In this figure the inner details of the spigot 100, shaft 130, and orifice 220 are shown in more detail. The shaft 130 optionally comprises, on its inside, a channel 310 which forms a convergent liquid pathway that is coaxial with the longitudinal axis X. The convergent liquid pathway or channel 310 has a distal end, which couples to the aperture 210 and has a radius R1, and a proximal end, which couples to the orifice 220 within the nozzle head 110 and has a radius R2. Radius R1 is larger than radius R2 such that the outer surface of channel 310 is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis X, for example at 4.4 degrees. The orifice 220 optionally comprises a divergent liquid pathway 320. The divergent liquid pathway 320 curves away from the longitudinal axis X and comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of the divergent liquid pathway 320 couples to the proximal end of the channel 310, sits on the longitudinal axis X, and has radius R3 and the second end of the divergent liquid pathway 320 couples to the rounded surface of the nozzle head 110, is not aligned with the longitudinal axis X, and has radius R4. Radius R4 is larger than R3 such that the divergent liquid pathway 320 spans an angle of the rounded nozzle head 110, for example 30 degrees from the lateral axis Y. As shown in Figure 3 the orifice 220 and divergent liquid pathway 310 optionally sit a distance from the ledge 240 and comprises a rounded inner surface. The channel 310 is configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply coupled to the distal end of the spigot 100 and direct the liquid to the proximal end of the channel 310 where the liquid is then dispensed into the divergent liquid pathway 320 of the orifice 220. The channel 310 converges the liquid received from the liquid supply such that the speed of the liquid dispensed from the channel 310 is faster than that received from the liquid supply at the aperture 210. This pathway is especially useful in washstands where the liquid supplied to the spigot 100 is low pressure. The divergent liquid pathway 320 is configured to direct high speed liquid received from the channel 310 on the distal end of the nozzle head 110 to the opening of the orifice 220 at the rounded surface of the nozzle head 110 such that the liquid dispensed from the nozzle head 110 creates an even spray beyond the washstand. The distance between the ledge 240 and the distal end of the orifice is configured to inhibit the liquid spray from the orifice hitting the washstand surface which abuts the ledge 240. Furthermore, the curved inner surface of the divergent liquid pathway 310 is configured to reduce loss of water pressure to friction. In use, the spigot 100 receives liquid from a liquid supply in a washstand, increases its speed, and dispenses it forwards in the shape of an even spray. Figure 4 shows a front on view of the distal end of the spigot 100 in Figures 1 to 3. Figure 4 shows a first embodiment of the nozzle head 110, ledge 240, channel 310 in the shaft 130, the at least one locating tab 230, and the threads 140. In this example, there are two locating tabs 230 either side of the shaft 130. The locating tabs 230 optionally have a first width of 3 mm and in examples a second width of 2 mm. In Figure 4 the converging liquid pathway 310 is shown as concentric circles which narrow to the smooth-surfaced revolved diverging liquid pathway 320 which is depicted as the central triangular shape. The ledge 240 protrudes beyond the radius of the shaft 130 and threads 140 which circle the shaft 130. Figure 5A shows a bottom view of the first embodiment of the nozzle head 110 on the proximal end of the spigot 100 in Figures 1 to 4 and Figure 5B shows a front on view of the proximal end of a second embodiment of the nozzle head 110 of the spigot 100 in Figure 1. The first embodiment of the nozzle head 110 in Figure 5A comprises the revolved shape and divergent liquid pathway 320 of the orifice 220 as described with reference to the cross-section of the spigot 100 in Figure 3. The revolved orifice 220 of Figure 5A outwardly diverges from the proximal end of the channel 310 in the longitudinal plane of the spigot 100, as show in Figure 3, and in the lateral plane of the spigot 100 such that the opening of the orifice 220, on the rounded nozzle head 110 surface, is a rounded rectangular shape. In effect, the orifice 220 is horn-shaped. Figure 5A also shows the positioning of the at least one locating tab 230 on the ledge 240 adjacent to the threads 140 on the shaft 130 in greater detail. The rounded rectangular shape of the orifice 220 opening at the rounded surface of the nozzle head 110 is configured to provide an even spray of liquid forwards and sideways when the spigot is in use without wasting liquid spray onto the sides of the wash basin in the washstand. The second embodiment of the nozzle head 110 in Figure 5B comprises the revolved shape and divergent liquid pathway 320 of the orifice 220 as described with reference to the cross-section of the spigot 100 in Figure 3 but with a different angle of divergence in the longitudinal plane and lateral plane. The second embodiment of the nozzle head 110 diverges by a large angle in the longitudinal plane and by a small angle in the lateral plane creating an arc shaped orifice 220 on the surface of the round nozzle head. The arc shaped orifice 220 of the second embodiment of the nozzle head 110 differs from that of the rounded rectangular shaped orifice 220 as the orifice is wider and thinner such that it sits transverse to the longitudinal axis X. The arc shaped orifice 220 of the second embodiment of the nozzle head 110 is configured to dispense liquid from the nozzle head 110 in a forward direction from the spigot, when in use, in a fan shape. Figure 6 shows a cross-sectional view of a first embodiment of the foot-activated valve 600 which controls the liquid supply to the spigot 100 in Figure 1 and Figure 7 shows a cross-sectional view of a second embodiment of the foot-activated valve 600 which is housed by the washstand 700. The foot-activated valve 600 comprises a button valve 610 and a platen 620, and optionally a connection to a liquid supply 630 and a clipping mechanism 640. The button valve 610 may be sourced on demand, is a floor-mounted pedal valve comprising a strong material, such as metal, and optionally a connection to a liquid supply 630. The button valve 610 couples to an external liquid supply, via its connection to a liquid supply 630, and a platen 620, via the distal end of the button distal to the main button valve 610 body. The platen 620 comprises a smooth distal surface, on the side distal to the button valve 610, and an attachment surface, on the side proximal to the button valve 610. The platen 620 is configured to cover the button component of the button valve 610 and inhibit tampering of the button valve 610 by a user of the foot-activated valve 600. When needed, the platen 620 is configured to be replaced in case of damage. The smooth distal surface of the platen 620 is configured to receive pressure from a user and reduce any wear and tear or friction otherwise exhibited directly on the button valve 610. The attachment surface, also called the proximal surface, of the platen 620 is configured to couple to the button valve 610 via an attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism used to couple the platen 620 to the button valve 610 may take many forms. For example, in Figure 6 the attachment mechanism comprises a clipping mechanism 640 whereas in Figure 7 the attachment mechanism comprises adhesive means. Other mechanisms such as a screws, bolts, magnets, or welding may be used. The button valve 610 is configured to depress into the button valve main body, when receiving pressure from the platen 620, and open a valve in the liquid supply connection so that liquid may flow through the foot-activated valve 600 to an external piping system and a dispensing device, such as the spigot 100. In use, the foot-activated valve 600 is pressed on by the foot of a washstand user and releases liquid to the user via a device like the spigot 100 and a liquid supply system. Figure 7 depicts the second embodiment of the foot-activated valve 600 in use where it is optionally housed in the washstand 700. The washstand 700 optionally comprises an opening 710, a mounting bracket 720, and a raised ring 730. The mounting bracket 720 is coupled to the foot-activated valve 600 and the washstand 700 via a fastening mechanism for example, screws or bolts. The washstand 700 comprises an inner cavity and an outer surface. The distal side of the outer surface comprises a slanted surface and the proximal surface is located and runs along the ground, when in use. The distal surface comprises the opening 710 which is bordered by the raised ring 730. The washstand 700 houses, in its cavity, the mounting bracket 720 and at least part of the foot-activated valve 600 such that the distal end of the foot-activated valve 600, which couples to the platen 620, protrudes through the opening 710 and abuts the inside of the raised ring 730. When the foot-activated valve 600 is pressed into the button-valve 610 body the platen 620 also abuts the raised ring 730 on its distal surface. The mounting bracket 720 is configured to securely couple the foot-activated valve 600 to the washstand 700 and support the foot-activated valve 600 at an angle ideal for use by the foot of a user, for example 45 degrees. The washstand 700 is configured to protect the foot-activated valve 600 from vandalism. As such, the opening 710 is configured to allow only the activate part of the moving button valve 610 and platen 620 to protrude beyond the washstand 700 and the raised ring 730 is configured to prevent detritus from entering the washstand 700 and inhibit water from passing through the opening 710. In use, the washstand 700 provides a secure housing for the foot-activated valve 600 such that it may release liquid to a user of the washstand 700 without facing any tampering or natural deterioration. The washstand 700 and foot-activated valve 600 assembly may be used in a system with the spigot 100 to dispense liquid to a washstand 700 user. Figures 8 to 11 show perspective views of a soap holder 800 which may be located in the washstand 700. These figures show the same soap holder 800 housing a cylindrical soap container, an abstract shaped soap container, and an inverted soap container. The soap holder 800 comprises an abstract shaped cavity which comprises cylindrical shaped notches 810 of different radii, a rectangular shaped notch 820, a flat surface 830, and a V-shaped cutout 840 which intersects the wall of the cavity. The soap holder comprises two levels wherein the lowest level is located at the centre of the soap holder and comprises the rectangular shaped notch 820. The second level, when in use, sits between the lowest level and the top of the soap holder, and comprises three cylindrical shaped notches 810 on three of its four sides. In examples, the three cylindrical shaped notches 810 comprise different radii. The fourth side of the second level comprises the V-shaped cut out 840 which joins the two levels of the cavity to the outside of the washstand in which the soap holder 800 sits. The base of the three cylindrical notches 810 on the second level of the soap holder 800 comprises the flat surface 830. The soap holder 800 is configured to partly house a plurality of soaps and soap containers wherein the cylindrical notches 810 are configured to house cylindrical soap containers of varying size, the rectangular shaped notch 820 is configured to house rectangular soap containers of varying size, the flat surface 830 is configured to hold bars of soap of varying size, and the V-shaped cutout 840 through the wall of the cavity is configured to house the nozzle of a soap container that is used in an inverted orientation and requires the nozzle to be below the soap container. In use, the soap holder 800 houses soap bars and soap containers of different size close to a wash basin and liquid dispensing device, such as the spigot 100, so that the soap is easily accessible to a washstand user intending to wash their hands. Figure 11 shows a perspective view of an example washstand 700 which utilises the spigot 100, foot-activated valve 600, and soap holder 800 of Figures 1 to 10. The washstand 700 optionally comprises a base, wash basin, a shelf, and a piping system which is not shown in Figure 11 but is located inside the washstand 700. In this example, the base is located below the wash basin and shelf and comprises three foot-activated valves 600 which couple to the piping system inside the washstand 700. The wash basin comprises three spigots 100 which also couple to the piping system after it has passed through the foot-activated valves 600. Due to the connection mechanisms on the distal end of the spigot 100 only the rounded nozzle heads 110 of the spigots 100 are shown as protruding out of the washstand 700. The shelf is located above the wash basin and comprises the soap holder 800. The foot-activated valves 600 of the washstand are configured to release liquid to the spigots 100 when a user applies pressure to the foot-activated valves 600. The spigots 100 are configured to dispense the released water in an evenly spread spray into the wash basin and the soap holder 800 is configured to house soap bars or soap containers of various shapes to be used by a user of the washstand. 5 In use, the washstand 700 allows a user to dispense low pressure water in the form of a spray on demand and wash their hands with any shaped soap.

Claims

1. A spigot comprising:a distal end comprising;an aperture configured to receive liquid from a liquid supply;a proximal end comprising:a rounded nozzle head configured to inhibit gripping by a user;an orifice within the rounded nozzle head configured to dispense the liquid; anda shaft connecting the orifice to the aperture and defining a longitudinal axis of the spigot.

2. The spigot of claim 1 wherein the distal end comprises a means for reversibly attaching the spigot to a washstand.

3. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the distal end is configured to reversibly insert into a washstand such that only the rounded nozzle head is exposed.

4. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the rounded nozzle head comprises a hemispherical shape configured to reduce the surface area of the rounded nozzle head.

5. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the orifice is configured to dispense liquid from the spigot in a fan shape.

6. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the orifice comprises a revolved slot, wherein the revolved slot curves away from the axis of the spigot and is configured to project liquid at a downwards angle with respect to the axis of the spigot, when in use.

7. The spigot of any of claims 1 to 5 wherein the orifice is arc-shaped and configured to evenly spray the liquid dispensed from the spigot.

8. The spigot of claim 7 wherein the arc shape of the orifice is inclined with respect to the spigot axis, centred on the spigot axis, comprises a radius parallel to the perpendicularaxis of the spigot, and is configured to spray the liquid dispensed from the spigot in a line transverse to the axis of the spigot.

9. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the distal end comprises a barbedconnector configured to couple to the liquid supply.

10. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein at least a portion of the outer surface of the shaft comprises helical threads configured to reversibly engage with corresponding threads in a washstand.

11. The spigot of any of the previous claims wherein the distal end of the nozzle head defines a ledge comprising at least one locating tab configured to reversibly align with and be seated in a corresponding groove in a washstand to reversibly secure the spigot into the washstand.

12. The spigot of claims 9 to 11 as dependent on claim 10, wherein the spigot is configured to be tightened by hand and reversibly engaged with the corresponding threads of the washstand, wherein tightening of the spigot in the washstand causes the at least one locating tab of the nozzle head to reversibly align with and be seated in the corresponding groove in the washstand.

13. A foot-activated valve comprising:a button valve configured to allow liquid to flow through the valve when pressed by a user; anda platen configured to cover the button valve and inhibit tampering of the button valve by a user, the platen comprising:a smooth distal surface configured to receive pressure from a user; and a proximal surface configured to couple to the foot valve via an attachment mechanism.

14. The foot-activated valve of claim 13 wherein the attachment mechanism of the platen is a reversibly attachable clipping mechanism, and wherein the platen is replaceable.

15. The foot-activated valve of claims 13 or 14 wherein the attachment mechanism of the platen comprises adhesive means.

16. A washstand comprising a foot-activated valve as in claims 13 to 15, an opening, and a mounting bracket.

17. The washstand of claim 16 wherein the mounting bracket is configured to support the foot-activated valve at an angle ideal for use by the foot of a user.

18. The washstand of claims 16 or 17 wherein the washstand houses the mounting bracket and at least part of the foot-activated valve, wherein the distal end of the foot-activated valve is configured to protrude through the opening, and wherein the platen of the foot-activated valve is located outside the washstand and is configured to prevent detritus from entering the washstand.

19. The washstand of any of claims 16 to 18 wherein the side of the opening of the washstand, proximal to the proximal surface of the platen, comprises an outwardly protruding raised ring configured to inhibit water passing through the opening.

20. The washstand of any of claims 16 and 19 wherein the mounting bracket is configured to couple to the bottom of the washstand, located on the ground in normal use, via a fastening mechanism.

21. A soap holder comprising:an abstract shaped cavity comprisingcylindrical shaped notches of different radii;a rectangular shaped notch;a flat surface; anda V-shaped cutout through the wall of the cavity;wherein the abstract shaped cavity is configured to partly house a plurality of soaps and soap containers.

22. The soap holder of claim 21 wherein the cylindrical notches are configured to house cylindrical soap containers of varying size.

23. The soap holder of claim 21 or 22 wherein the rectangular shaped notch is configured to house rectangular soap containers of varying size.5 24. The soap holder of claims 21, 22, or 23 wherein the flat surface is configured tohold bars of soap of varying size.

25. The soap holder of any of claims 21 to 24 wherein the V-shaped cutout through the wall of the cavity is configured to house the nozzle of a soap container which is configured 10 to be used in an inverted orientation, wherein the inverted orientation requires the nozzle to be below the soap container.

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